PAINTING TO FEEL BETTER

No matter what it looks like, I must say that I have found the making of art to be a great source of happiness and satisfaction for me. During difficult times I have turned to a paintbox and brush, or markers and pens and no matter what I've turned out, the making of it was a very soul-satisfying, emotional release.

Dr. Gabor Maté in his book "When the Body Says No" talks about how we all have to foster emotional competence in order to handle stress and stay healthy. He maintains that repressing our stress and ignoring our body's messages causes illness.

Depression is on the rise in our North American community and one of the big reasons is that chronic, daily stresses in people's lives are so harmful to our bodies, but we are not informed enough to know how to handle it.

I run a painting workshop every week where you can come and give free expression to your emotions and stress. Creating images without any rules about how or what is created is very freeing. It feels good to "create from your soul" and learn more about your own feelings.

Each week we start with a quick "de-brief" and mindfulness exercise, and then have 1.5 hours to paint. The last 15 minutes are for the group to have a discussion and share their experience with depression and emotions.

Consider coming to a safe place to explore your feelings and some of that trapped stress!

MONDAYS (except holidays) 1:00 - 3:00 o'clock, in the basement of 249 St. Clair Avenue West (side entrance) which is just west of of Avenue Road.$40.00 per session or 10 sessions for $300.00Drop-ins are welcome, email ahead is valued!